irreparable

adjective

ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble i-ˈre-p(ə-)rə-bəl 

ˌi(r)-,

also nonstandard

ˌir-(r)ə-ˈper-ə-bəl 

: not reparable : irremediable

irreparable damage

irreparableness noun

irreparably

i-ˈre-p(ə-)rə-blē 

ˌi(r)-

 also nonstandard  ˌir-(r)ə-ˈper-ə-blē

adverb

Synonyms

• irreversible
• irremediable
• irretrievable

Examples of irreparable in a Sentence

The oil spill did irreparable harm to the bay.

The damage to their relationship was irreparable.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many residents said the flooding reached the ceiling of their homes, and so much — from mattresses to appliances to cars — was now irreparable. —Cristopher Rogel Blanquet, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

For instance, an injunction to stop a company from polluting a lake is premised on the idea that damage to a lake and the life in it is irreparable. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025

This action is a ‘world first’ in cultural misconduct and will undoubtedly cause irreparable damage to Antwerp and Flanders’ national and global reputation. —News Desk, Artforum, 13 Oct. 2025

Hence, Jones will clearly experience irreparable injury if a stay is not granted. —Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin irreparabilis, from in- + reparabilis reparable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for irreparable

• separable
• inseparable

Kids Definition

irreparable

adjective

ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble (ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ep-(ə-)rə-bəl 

: not capable of being repaired or regained

an irreparable loss

irreparably

-blē 

adverb

Legal Definition

irreparable

adjective

ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble i-ˈre-pə-rə-bəl, -prə-bəl 

: impossible to repair, remedy, or undo

irreparably adverb